Blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat and method of use

ABSTRACT

A blanket for placement upon an infant in a seat and method having sleeves and an open back construction as well as stabilization means is provided that it can be readily donned upon an infant buckled within a seat without the need to adjust safety straps. The travel blanket includes a base section constructed with a base periphery integrated with base stabilization means therein for securing the base section of the blanket onto an outer, exterior bottom portion of the seat. Lateral sections of the travel blanket further include lateral perimeters appointed for aiding in securing the lateral sections over the infant, without wrapping the torso of the infant. Construction of the travel blanket ensures a significant amount of coverage over the entire body of the infant that does not lend to shifting, zero wrapping of the infant&#39;s body/torso, and minimal jostling of the infant when applied.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a blanket for placement upon an infantbuckled in a seat and method of using same; and more particularly, to atravel blanket having sleeves and an open back construction as well asstabilization means so that the blanket can be placed upon and worn byan infant buckled in a seat and secured to the exterior sides and bottomof the seat to prevent shifting while avoiding any need for adjustingthe safety straps and disturbing the infant.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Laws involving installation and use of child car seats are quite complexand rigorously enforced. Proper installation and fit compel that onlyone or two finger widths of leeway separate the car seat straps from thebody of a child positioned therewithin. This rather “tight” fit isrequired to assure the safety of a child riding in a car seat. Duringwinter months or cold, damp conditions, it is difficult to properlyplace a child within a car seat, owing to the presence of winterclothing such as jump suits, jackets and the like. When positioning thechild in a car seat during cold weather, the straps must painstakinglybe adjusted to compensate for the additional outer garments worn.

Several blanket-sacs, buntings and bag-like articles have been providedfor keeping infants warm when sleeping in a crib or cradle, but theseblanket-sacs are not and can not readily function as travel blankets incar seats and strollers. For example(s): U.S. Pat. No. 782,819 to Biklediscloses a fold over sleeping blanket; U.S. Pat. No. 2,374,299 toO'Hara discloses a sleeping bag for infants; U.S. Pat. No. 2,441,900 toOswald discloses a child's garment having sleeve-like portions and abody portion; U.S. Pat. No. 2,496,922 to Virtue discloses an infant'ssleeping garment (bag like); U.S. Pat. No. 2,530,464 to Haman disclosesan infant's sleeping bag; U.S. Pat. No. 2,578,323 to Sillaway disclosesan envelope-shaped garment having sleeves and being closed entirelyalong its bottom and sides; U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,371 to Christiansdiscloses a baby bag garment; U.S. Pat. No. 5,129,406 to Magnusen et al.discloses an infant garment comprised of a saclike body with sleeves;U.S. Pat. No. 5,418,979 to Senderowicz discloses an infant sac includingsleeves; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D296,378 to Coates discloses anornamental design for a sac like structure having a front opening andsleeves. These garments, sac/bag-like articles are not capable offunctioning in conjunction with a car seat or stroller and wouldinterfere with proper safety strapping procedures. Generally, inoperation of these bag-like articles a child is laid onto the backsection of the garment/blanket and is then encased or enclosed thereinvia an opening in the front. As a result, attempting to utilize thesesacs/bag-like articles during travel in a car seat (or stroller) wouldrequire the child to be inserted into the blanket, placed into the carseat, and the safety straps of the car seat adjusted for awkward andimproper buckling as these bag-like articles do not adequately provideentry pointes for proper placement of the safety straps.

Other infant blankets have been provided that generally includeconstructs as a garment/robe wherein sleeve portions and a panel forwrapping an infant. For example(s): U.S. Pat. No. 5,131,096 to Olsondiscloses a versatile child's garment including a torso portion, anattachable hood and sleeves; U.S. Pat. No. 6,240,561 to Mc Ginnisdiscloses disposable infant garments; U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,168 to Nguyendiscloses an infant's sleep blanket/garment for use with medicalmonitoring devices, which is offered as either a sleep sack or a sleepshirt; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D510,792 to Vazquez et al. discloses anornamental design for an attached infant sleeper and blanket. Again,these articles are arranged to be utilized in a crib or cradle and arenot capable of functioning, or adequately constructed, in conjunctionwith a car seat or stroller as these articles would interfere withsafety straps. When donning these articles, a child is laid onto theback section of the garment/blanket and is then wrapped therein via anopening in the front. As a result, attempting to utilize these articlesduring travel in a car seat (or stroller) would require the child to beinserted into the garment, placed into the car seat, and the safetystraps of the car seat adjusted for awkward and improper buckling asthese articles do not adequately provide entry pointes for properplacement of the safety straps and are not travel blankets.

Various bib articles have been provided, which include a panel, acollar, and sleeves and are appointed to be placed frontward on aninfant sitting in a high-chair for feeding. For example(s): U.S. Pat.No. 6,081,923 to Marks discloses an extended bib having cuffed sleevesand a free bottom edge having fasteners provided for engaging a bottomedge to a food tray; U.S. Design Pat. No. D59,555 to Ladd discloses anornamental design for a bib having a pair of sleeves and a collar with aneck tie; and U.S. Design Pat. No. D288,022 to Marconi discloses anornamental design for a bib with long sleeves provided with a pocket infront for collecting food or holding items/food. These sleeved-bibarticles do not extend to cover an infant's legs and feet. Therefore,any application of the sleeved-bib articles as a blanket would bethwarted as a bib does not cover an infant's legs and does not provide alarge enough surface area on lateral edges to offer blanket coverage toan infant's torso.

Some travel blankets have been provided integrate within a car seatcovering. For example: U.S. Pat. No. 6,394,543 to Dunne et al. disclosesa seat covering that includes a main body portion forming a pocket thatfits over a seating device, and at least one blanket flap portionfoldably coupled to the main body portion. Such car seat coverings mustbe applied to the seat before the infant is placed therein, and cannotbe removed from the seat when the infant is lifted out. Further, theinfant can readily kick or pull on the blanket flap portion and exposehimself/herself to the cold, or cause pooling of the flap near theinfant's face thereby posing a suffocation risk to which the parentwould not be aware of during driving.

Even where various travel blankets have been provided, these travelblankets fail to provide the ability to secure the blanket to the outersides and bottom edges of a car seat/stroller seat, and as a result, achild can easily kick these travel blankets off from their feet,exposing the child to the cold. Moreover, the disheveled blanket mayfold or shift towards the child's face and pose a suffocation hazard.For example(s): U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,248 to Christensen discloses atravel blanket including a front cover (may include sleeves) with a hoodhaving a front opening and a back opening designed to receive a child'shead therethrough when the blanket is received on the child alreadystrapped into a car seat, a stroller and other child carriers; U.S. Pat.No. 6,408,439 to Garforth-Crippen discloses a garment that can be donnedwhile the wearer is seated, such as in a child car seat, having an upperportion that wraps around the wearer's torso from the front to cover thesides and back of the child's torso, a pair of sleeves, a neck openinghaving fasteners to secure behind the wearer's neck, and a lower portionextends downward and configured as a pouch for enclosing both of thewearer's legs from approximately the hips to the feet; and U.S. Pat. No.6,948,200 to Wyman discloses a blanket appointed to be wrapped around auser in a sitting or semi-prone position, including a lower portion anda top portion, the lower portion having a pouch to cover feet and legsof the user and the top portion to wrap around the user.

Although these aforementioned disclosed travel blankets are providedwith sleeves and portions to cover the infant in the car seat, thesetravel blankets require substantial manipulation and movement of theinfant when they are being applied, and as a result the infant mayawaken and/or become agitated and annoyed. Moreover, wherein the infantis a newborn or very young, such movement may require less than delicatemaneuverings. That is to say, in application of these variouslydisclosed travel blankets, where: (i) those having hoods require thatafter the infant's arms are received in the sleeves, the infant's headmust be elevated and angled acutely forward from the seat to be insertedin the hood; (ii) those having portions that must wrap around to theback of the wearer's/infant's torso from the front operate to cause theparent/care giver to substantially lean the child's body forward whilestill strapped in the seat, tending to result in a need to adjust thesafety straps to provide ample room to extend the side extension/wrapsbehind the child's back—otherwise, the child would be in discomfortwhile the parent's hands are jammed behind the child's spine. Surely,resulting in a cumbersome task, ultimately waking any sleeping baby andannoying any contented baby; and (iii) those having pouches or other legand feet containment sections for receiving and housing the infant'slegs and feet require the parent to literally lift the infant's legs andfeet, bend or otherwise contort the infant's legs to force (which, ifthe infant is kicking can be quite traumatic) them into the pouch. Suchencasement of the infant's legs, while preventing the blanket fromshifting therefrom, results not only in mass manipulation of theinfant's legs and feet, but an infant likely feeling overly constrainedand agitated as the legs and feet become bound within the pouch orpocket.

None of the blankets, garments or travel blankets heretofore disclosedprovide a travel blanket that is frontward donned on an infant strappedin a car seat (or stroller, etc.) by inserting an infant's arms intosleeves, covering the infant's entire torso and legs without moving sameand simply securing the blankets perimeters to the exterior sides andbottom portions of the seat. Such a construct would provide a travelblanket that requires minimal manipulation and movement of the infant,while ensuring that the travel blanket does not shift and expose theinfant to the cold or pose a suffocation risk.

There remains a need in the art for a travel blanket having sleevemembers and an open back construction so that the blanket can be readilydonned upon an infant buckled within a seat without the need to adjustsafety straps. Also needed is a travel blanket having a base sectionconstructed with a base periphery integrated with base stabilizationmeans therein for securing the base section of the blanket onto anouter, exterior bottom portion of the seat so that the blanket issecured over the infant without the need to move the infant's body orlegs, thus eliminating struggling with the infant and unwanted shiftingof the blanket. Moreover, there is a need in the art for a travelblanket having lateral sections including a lateral perimeter appointedfor aiding in securing the lateral sections of the blanket over theinfant. In summary, there is a need in the art for a travel blanket thatensures a significant amount of coverage over the entire body of theinfant, secure coverage that does not lend to shifting of the blanket,and minimal jostling or moving of the infant when the blanket is beingapplied onto the infant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a travel blanket that is frontward donnedon an infant strapped in a car seat (or stroller, etc.) by inserting aninfant's arms into sleeves, covering the infant's entire torso and legswithout moving same and simply securing the blankets perimeters to theexterior sides and bottom portions of the seat. Accordingly, the travelblanket's construction functions require minimal manipulation andmovement of the infant when the blanket is being applied, while ensuringthat the travel blanket does not shift and expose the infant to the coldor pose a suffocation risk. The travel blanket comprises sleeve membersand an open back construction so that it can be readily donned upon aninfant buckled within a seat without the need to adjust safety straps.What is more, the travel blanket includes a base section constructedwith a base periphery integrated with base stabilization means thereinfor securing the base section of the blanket onto an outer, exteriorbottom portion of the seat so that the blanket is secured over theinfant without the need to move the infant's body or legs, thuseliminating struggling with the infant and unwanted shifting of theblanket. Lateral sections of the travel blanket further include lateralperimeters appointed for aiding in securing the lateral sections overthe infant, without wrapping the torso of the infant. Construction ofthe travel blanket ensures a significant amount of coverage over theentire body of the infant, secure coverage that does not lend toshifting of the blanket, zero wrapping of the infant's body/torso, andminimal jostling or moving of the infant when the blanket is beingapplied onto the infant.

The travel blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seatcomprises a central section, lateral sections, a base section, and acollar member arranged to form an open back construction so that theblanket is appointed to be placed upon the infant secured/buckled withinthe seat by way of safety straps/seat belts. Additionally, left andright sleeve members are constructed within the central section of theblanket adjacent to each of the lateral sections for receiving theinfant's arms. The base section of the travel blanket further comprisesa base periphery having a base stabilization means integrated therein.Base stabilization means function to secure the base section of theblanket over the infant and seat to secure onto an outer, exteriorbottom portion of the seat. The lateral sections of the travel blanketeach comprise a lateral perimeter appointed for aiding in securing thelateral sections of the travel blanket over the infant.

In operation, the left and right sleeve members receive the arms of theinfant and the collar member and the central section rest against theinfant's neck, chest, front torso, legs and feet. The lateral sectionsand base section extend over the infant and the seat and, in a firstaspect of the invention, become disposed over the exterior and sides ofthe seat. In a second, optional, aspect of the invention, the lateralsections and base section are adapted to be secured onto the exterior oroutside of the seat. The latter construction facilitates avoiding anyneed for adjusting the safety straps and jostling, struggling with orotherwise disturbing the infant, while providing a warm, safeenvironment for the infant during travel.

A method of keeping an infant warm when traveling secured in a seat isprovided. The method includes the steps of: (i) placing an infant in aseat, such as a car seat or stroller, and securing the child within theseat by way of safety straps; (ii) covering the infant with a travelblanket, the travel blanket comprising: a central section, lateralsections, a base section, and a collar member arranged to form an openback construction so that the blanket is appointed to be placed upon theinfant secured within the seat by way of safety straps; left and rightsleeve members constructed within the central section of the blanketadjacent to each of the lateral sections; the base section comprising abase periphery having a base stabilization means integrated thereinappointed for securing the base section of the blanket on an outerbottom portion of the seat; and the lateral sections each comprising alateral perimeter appointed for aiding in securing the lateral sections;(iii) inserting each arm of the infant within each of the sleevemembers, respectively, and pressing the collar member against theinfant's neck and the central section against the infant's chest so thatthe lateral sections and the base section extend proximate to outer sideportions and an outer bottom portion of the seat, respectively; and (iv)securing the lateral sections and the base section to the outer sideportions and the outer bottom portion of the seat, respectively, whileavoiding any need for adjusting the safety straps and jostling orotherwise disturbing the infant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The invention will be more fully understood and further advantages willbecome apparent when reference is had to the following detaileddescription and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 a is a schematic top-front view of an embodiment of the travelblanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat;

FIG. 1 b shows a sectional top view of an optional neck segment of thecollar member along with optional elongated shoulder flaps providedadjacent to and between the lateral sections and collar member forenhanced covering of the infant's shoulders;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the travel blanket donned on an infant strappedin a car seat with the lateral sections and base section secured on theexterior, outer portions of the seat;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the travel blanket donned on an infant strappedin a car seat with the lateral sections and base section secured on theexterior, outer portions of the seat;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the travel blanket for placementupon an infant secured in a seat, wherein the base stabilization meansincludes an elastic band so that it can be merely stretched to extendover and clasped onto the exterior, outer bottom portion of the car seatwithout the need to move the infant; and

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the travel blanket forplacement upon an infant secured in a seat, wherein both the basestabilization means and lateral stabilization means include an elasticband so that they can be merely stretched to extend over and claspedonto the shoulders, feet and legs of the infant without the need to movethe infant.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This invention relates to a travel blanket that is frontward donned onan infant strapped in a car seat (or stroller, etc.) by inserting aninfant's arms into sleeves, covering the infant's entire torso and legswithout moving same and simply securing the blankets perimeters to theexterior sides and bottom portions of the seat. When using the travelblanket, an infant/child can be placed in a car seat and kept warm whileriding therein during winter months without having to further adjust thecar seat straps. The infant, wearing clothing of the type worn indoorsduring summer or winter, is placed in the car seat and the straps arefastened about the infant. Thereafter, when traveling during late fallor winter, the travel blanket is placed about the infant. In a secondembodiment, the travel blanket is tucked around the back of the carseat. Optionally, in a third embodiment, the travel blanket is securedto the exterior outer side and bottom portions of the car seat. Thetravel blanket has two sleeve-like members into which the arms of theinfant can be placed. Once the infant's arms are securely positionedwithin the sleeves of the travel blanket, the remaining portion isplaced atop the trunk and legs of the infant; or tucked behind the carseat. In the third embodiment, the remaining portion of the travelblanket is secured on the exterior of the car seat. The infant isthereby kept warm while riding in the car without need to adjust the carseat straps to accommodate the additional thickness of a jump suit,jacket, or the like. When traveling to a mall or other like venue, theinfant can be lifted from the car seat with the travel blanket still intact around the infant, and placed in a stroller, with the lateralsections and base sections secured to the exterior or outer portions ofthe seat of the stroller. The travel blanket will keep the infant warmwhile riding in the stroller to an indoor venue, such as a mall, grocerystore, or the like. Once inside the indoor venue, the travel blanket canbe readily removed from the infant to prevent the infant from becomingtoo warm. This advantageously eliminates the need for putting a jumpsuit on and off of an infant and for adjusting the car seat straps toaccommodate the type of outer wear used on specific occasions.

The travel blanket can be made of fleece, cotton, or other warm fibrousmaterials, and may include a single layer or double insulated and/orreversible layers. Heavy fleece or light fleece blankets can beconstructed for fall or winter travel. An outer water proof and/or windproof shell (having the same corresponding structure as the travelblanket and appointed to intimately fit there over) is preferablyprovided to cover the travel blanket and prevent water (or winds) frompenetrating onto and through fleece, cotton, etc., to keep the infantdry and warm during inclement weather. Preferably, this water proofshell (and/or wind proof shell) is composed of a polymeric, vinyl, or aTeflon® coated material, or the like. Moreover, preferably the waterproof shell is removable, such as connected by way of a zipper withtraverses the edges of the blanket (i.e. the lateral perimeters and baseperiphery) and traversing to abut the collar member. This water proofshell may be removable by way of hook and loop fastener portions (suchas Velcro®) mating on the corresponding edges of the water proof shelland the shell to the edges of the blanket (i.e. the lateral perimetersand base periphery) and traversing to abut the collar member. The travelblanket can come in different sizes, such as small (to fit newborn toone year old infants), medium (to fit one year to three year oldtoddlers) or large (to fit three year to five year old children).Larger, children and/or adult sized blankets can also be provided forkeeping an older child/adult warm while at home or during travel(especially elderly), and having particular significance in keeping anadult who is in a wheelchair warm.

FIG. 1 a shows a schematic top-front view of an embodiment of the travelblanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat, shown generallyat 5. FIG. 1 b shows a sectional top view of an optional neck segment ofthe collar member along with optional elongated shoulder flaps providedadjacent to and between the lateral sections and collar member forenhanced covering of the infant's shoulders. FIG. 2 illustrates a sideview of the travel blanket donned on an infant strapped in a car seatwith the lateral sections and base section secured on the exterior,outer portions of the seat, shown generally at 20.

In referring to FIGS. 1 a, 1 b and 2, travel blanket 5 comprises acentral section 6, lateral sections 7, and a base section 8. A collarmember 12 is constructed within central section 6. Central section 6,lateral sections 7, base section 8, and collar member 12 are arranged toform an open back construction so that blanket 5 is appointed to beplaced upon an infant 21 secured within a seat 22 by way of safetystraps. A left and right sleeve member 13 is provided, each constructedwithin central section 6 and being adjacent to each of lateral sections7, left and right, respectively. An infant's arms are received withinsleeve members 13 while collar member 12 rests against the infant's neckwhen infant 21 is placed in an infant car seat 22/stroller on a vehicleseat 23.

Base section 8 comprises a base periphery having a base stabilizationmeans 10 arranged to engage with an outer bottom portion 24 of car seat22 so that base section 8 is appointed to extend and tuck around outerbottom portion 24 of seat 22. Base section 8 covers the legs and lowertorso of infant 21 and drapes over seat 22 to extend over and be tuckedunder/engage or secured with outer bottom portion 24 of seat 22 via basestabilization means 10. Lateral sections 7 each comprise a lateralperimeter 11 and are arranged to engage with respective outer sideportions 25 of car seat 22 so that lateral sections 7 are each appointedto extend and tuck around each of outer side portions 25 of seat 22.Lateral perimeter 11 of each of lateral sections 7 may further comprisea securing means/lateral stabilization means 28 further arranged toengage with outer side portions 25 of car seat 22 to aid in retaininglateral sections 7 so that infant 21 does not kick or jostle blanket 5from its position over infant 21 and seat 22. In operation, left andright sleeve members 13 receive the arms of infant 21 and collar member12 and central section 6 rests against infant's 21 neck, chest, fronttorso, legs and feet. Lateral sections 7 and base section 8 extend overinfant 21 and seat 22 and, in a preferred embodiment of the invention,are appointed to be secured onto the exterior or outside of seat 22.Such construction minimizes any need for adjusting the safety straps andjostling, struggling with or otherwise disturbing infant 21, whileproviding a warm, safe environment during travel.

Base stabilization means 10 located on the base periphery of basesection 8 may comprise a dense weighted cord (or cushioned rim)integrated in the base periphery so that when base section 8 extendsover and weights on an exterior, outer bottom portion 24 of car seat 22so that the legs and feet of infant 21 are not lifted or moved whenblanket 5 is secured around outer bottom portion 24 of car seat 22.Alternatively, base stabilization means 10 comprises an elastic bandintegrated within the base periphery so that base section 8 is merelystretched to extend over and clasped on outer bottom portion 24 of carseat 22. Lateral perimeter 11 of each of lateral section 7 includes alateral stabilization means 28 further arranged to engage with outerside portions 25 of car seat 22 to aid in retaining lateral sections 7so that infant 21 does not kick or jostle blanket 5 from position.Alternatively, lateral stabilization means 28 located on lateralperimeter 11 comprises a dense weighted cord so that lateral sections 7extend over and weight on outer side portions 25 of car seat 22 so thatinfant's 21 torso, legs and feet are not moved when blanket 5 is securedaround outer side portions 25 of car seat 22. Alternatively, lateralstabilization means 28 comprises an elastic lateral band so that lateralsections 7 are merely stretched to extend over and clasped on outer sideportions 25 of car seat 22.

Collar member 12 has an optional abutting neck segment 9 for providingwarmth and comfort, preferably via extra thickness, to the neck area andcollar bones of an infant 21. Preferably, abutting neck segment 9 is abulk of material configured in a rolled condition. More preferably,abutting neck segment 9 includes a cushion or thicker fleece/fabricswatch integrated therein. Thus abutting neck segment 9 enhancesstabilization of the head and neck of infant 21 during travel whileproviding warmth properties. Abutting neck segment 9 extends onlyslightly upward from collar member 12 so as to avoid interfering withbreathing of infant 21. Elongated shoulder flaps 27 may be providedadjacent to and between lateral sections 7 and collar member 12 forenhanced covering of the infant's shoulders. Elongated shoulder flaps 27extend substantially parallel with the collar bone and shoulders ofchild 21, thereby covering to top of the shoulder of child 21. Herein,blanket 5 (particularly central section 6) is provided with optionallyloops or attachment means 29 appointed to removably attach and/secureitems to blanket 5, such as pacifiers 30 and toys, so that infant 21 caneasily reach and access the item while preventing the item from becominglost or dropped in the car or outside.

Application of the blanket 5 is initialized with placing the arms ofchild 21 into each of the respective left and right sleeve members 13and pushing central section 6 onto the front torso of the child so thatneck segment 9 of collar member 12 rests against infant's 21 neck.Lateral sections 7 and base section 8 are extended and allowed to layadjacent to or tucked around each of outer side portions 25 and outerbottom portion 24 of seat 22, respectively, thereby avoiding any needfor adjusting safety straps 26 and jostling or otherwise disturbinginfant 21.

FIG. 3 is a top of the travel blanket donned on an infant strapped in acar seat with the lateral sections and base section secured on theexterior, outer portions of the seat, particularly by way of an elasticband located on the lateral perimeter and base periphery, showngenerally at 200. In reference to FIG. 3, travel blanket 200 comprises acentral section 206, lateral sections 207, and a base section 208. Acollar member 212 is constructed within central section 206. Collarmember 212 has an optional abutting neck segment 209 for providingwarmth and comfort to the neck area and collar bones of an infant 221. Aleft and right sleeve member 213 are provided, each constructed withincentral section 206 and being adjacent to each of lateral sections 207,left and right, respectively. An infant's arms are received withinsleeve members 213 while collar member 212 rests against the infant'sneck when infant 221 is placed in an infant car seat 222/stroller on avehicle seat. Base section 208 comprises a base periphery/base perimeterhaving a base stabilization means arranged to engage with an outerbottom portion 224 of car seat 222 so that base section 208 is appointedto extend and tuck around outer bottom portion 224 of seat 222. In thisembodiment, base section 208 and lateral sections 207 are arrangedhaving a lateral perimeter 211 with lateral stabilization means 251comprised of an elastic rim/band integrated therein. That is, lateralperimeter 211 of lateral sections 207 each comprise lateralstabilization means 251 comprised of an elastic rim/band that extendsinto base periphery of base section 208 to perform as lateral and basestabilization means, respectively.

Application of blanket 200 is initialized with placing the arms of child221 into each of the respective left and right sleeve members 213 andpushing central section 206 of blanket 200 onto the front torso of thechild 221 so that neck segment 209 of collar member 212 rests againstinfant's 221 neck. Lateral sections 207 and base section 208 areextended and elastic rim 251 hugs and secures around each of outer sideportions 225 and outer bottom portion 224 of seat 222, respectively,thereby avoiding any need for adjusting safety straps and jostling orotherwise disturbing infant 221 and providing a warm encasing for child221 without the risk of child 221 kicking or jostling blanket 200.Shoulder members 253 are provided that do not include any elastic band,but are utilized to stretch over a small sector of outer side portions225. Blanket 200 may include a closable elongated opening 255 located incentral section 206 for accessing infant 221 without removing blanket200 from infant 221. Preferably, closable elongated opening 255 extendsfrom collar member 212 (and abutting neck segment 209), extends downinto central section 206 and into a portion of base section 208 so thatblanket 200 can be substantially opened for access to infant 221 forvarious reasons, such as for changing the infant's diaper.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the travel blanket for placementupon an infant secured in a seat, wherein the base stabilization meansincludes an elastic band so that it can be merely stretched to extendover and clasped onto the exterior, outer bottom portion of the car seatwithout the need to move the infant, shown generally at 400. Travelblanket 400 comprises central section 406, lateral sections 407, basesection 408, collar member 412, and left and right sleeve member 413. Aninfant's arms are received within sleeve members 413 while collar member412 rests against the infant's neck when placed in an infant carseat/stroller on a vehicle seat. Base section 408 comprises a baseperiphery/base perimeter having a base stabilization means 451 comprisedof an elastic rim/band integrated therein. Lateral perimeter 411 areprovided for aiding in securing lateral sections 407, and may comprise aweighted cord, a malleably weighted cord with a flexible wireincorporated therein, or an elastic band.

FIG. 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the travel blanket forplacement upon an infant secured in a seat, wherein both the basestabilization means and lateral stabilization means include an elasticband so that they can be merely stretched to extend over and claspedonto the shoulders, feet and legs of the infant without the need to movethe infant, shown generally at 300. Herein, travel blanket 300 isconstructed with both the base section and lateral sections having theelastic rim or band integrated therein as the base and lateralstabilization means, respectively, in a manner that allows blanket 300to snug against the body of the infant, rather than around the outsideof the car seat. Despite the contact with the stabilization means(lateral and base) against the body of the infant rather than theexterior of the car seat, the construction still provides that minimummanipulation of the infant is needed. In keeping with minimizingmanipulation and movement of the infant during placement of the blanketthe lateral sections and base section only have a minor shelf thatextends very shallowly over the shoulders, hugs the torso sides, sidesof the legs, and feet only, and does not encase the feet and legs anddoes not travel substantially behind the shoulder and torso.

Continuing with FIG. 5, in this embodiment blanket 300 comprises acentral section 306, lateral sections 307, and a base section 308. Acollar member 312 is constructed within central section 306. Collarmember 312 has an optional abutting neck segment 309 for providingwarmth and comfort to the neck area and collar bones of an infant. Leftand right sleeve members 313 are provided. An infant's arms are receivedwithin sleeve members 313 while collar member 312 rests against theinfant's neck when infant is placed in an infant car seat. Base section308 comprises a base periphery having a base stabilization means via anelastic rim 351 arranged circumferentially to form a shallow shelf 361that is appointed to receive the legs and feet of the infant. In thismanner, the infant's legs and feet do not have to be disturbed; rathershallow shelf 361 is simply stretched and collapsed under the feet ofthe infant.

Additionally, in this embodiment, lateral sections 307 include a lateralperimeter each comprising a lateral elastic rim 371 constructed to forma shallow ridge 372 for hugging the infant's shoulders and a small partof their back. Cut-outs 373, located generally between base section 308and lateral sections 307, may be provided for lap piece of the safety ofthe car seat. Application of blanket 300 is initialized with placing thearms of child into each of the respective left and right sleeve members313 and pushing central section 306 of blanket 300 onto the front torsoof the child so that neck segment 309 of collar member 312 rests againstthe infant's neck. Lateral sections 307 and base section 308 is extendedand lateral elastic rim 371 in the lateral perimeter of lateral sections307 are stretched and gently released to embrace the infant's shouldersand part of the infant's shoulder blades within shallow ridge 372. Basesection 308 is extended and elastic rim 351 of base periphery 309 isstretched and gently released to embrace the infant's feet and legswithin shallow shelf 361. The infant is not disturbed when blanket 300is being placed upon him/her as the blanket does not require placementbehind the infant's back; rather, the elastic rims 371, 351 gently hugthe proximate shoulder area and back area, as well as legs and feet andsecure same in the shallow shelf or ridge.

Having thus described the invention in rather full detail, it will beunderstood that such detail need not be strictly adhered to, but thatadditional changes and modifications may suggest themselves to oneskilled in the art, all falling within the scope of the invention asdefined by the subjoined claims.

1. A travel blanket for placement upon an infant secured in a seat,comprising: a. a central section, lateral sections, a base section, anda collar member arranged to form an open back construction so that saidblanket is appointed to be placed upon said infant secured within saidseat by way of safety straps; b. left and right sleeve membersconstructed within said central section of said blanket adjacent to eachof said lateral sections; c. said base section comprising a baseperiphery having a base stabilization means integrated therein appointedfor securing said base section of said blanket on an outer bottomportion of said seat; and d. said lateral sections each comprising alateral perimeter appointed for aiding in securing said lateralsections; wherein said left and right sleeve members receive arms ofsaid infant and said collar member and said central section rest againstsaid infant's neck, chest, front torso, legs and feet, while saidlateral sections and said base section extend over said infant and saidseat and are appointed to be secured onto said seat, thereby avoidingany need for adjusting said safety straps and jostling or otherwisedisturbing said infant.
 2. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein saidcollar member further comprises an abutting neck segment providing extrathickness to said collar member for comfort and added warmth to saidinfant.
 3. A blanket as recited by claim 2, wherein said abutting necksegment is in a rolled condition.
 4. A blanket as recited by claim 2,wherein said abutting neck segment includes cushion integrated therein.5. A blanket as recited by claim 1 comprising elongated shoulder flapslocated adjacent to and between said lateral sections and said collarmember for enhanced coverage of shoulders of said infant.
 6. A blanketas recited by claim 1, wherein said base stabilization means located onsaid base periphery of said base section comprises a dense weighted cordand said base section extends over and weights on said outer bottomportion of said car seat so that legs and feet of said infant are notlifted or moved when said blanket is secured around said outer bottom ofsaid car seat.
 7. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein said basestabilization means located on said base periphery of said base sectioncomprise an elastic band so that said base section is merely stretchedto extend over and clasped on said outer bottom portion of said car seatso that legs and feet of said infant are not lifted or moved when saidblanket is secured around said outer bottom of said car seat.
 8. Ablanket as recited by claim 1, wherein said lateral perimeter of each ofsaid lateral sections include a lateral stabilization means furtherarranged to engage with said outer side portions of said car seat to aidin retaining said lateral sections so that said infant does not kick orjostle said blanket from position.
 9. A blanket as recited by claim 8,said lateral stabilization means located on said lateral perimeter ofeach of said lateral sections comprises a dense weighted cord and saidlateral sections extend over and weight on outer side portions of saidcar seat so that said infant's torso, legs and feet are not moved whensaid blanket is secured around said outer side portions of said carseat.
 10. A blanket as recited by claim 8, wherein said lateralstabilization means located on said lateral perimeter of each of saidlateral sections comprises an elastic lateral band so that said lateralsections are merely stretched to extend over and clasped on outer sideportions of said car seat so that said infant's torso, legs and feet arenot moved when said blanket is secured around said outer side portionsof said car seat.
 11. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein saidblanket includes attachment means appointed to removably attachand/secure items, such as pacifiers and toys, to said blanket so thatsaid infant can easily reach and access said item while preventing saiditem from becoming lost or dropped.
 12. A blanket as recited by claim11, wherein said attachment means is located on said central section ofsaid blanket and comprises loops for clipping or temporarily attachingsaid item to said blanket.
 13. A blanket as recited by claim 1comprising an outer water proof shell covering said blanket forpreventing water penetration onto said infant.
 14. A blanket as recitedby claim 13, wherein said outer water proof shell covering said blanketis removable.
 15. A blanket as recited by claim 1, wherein said centralsection of said blanket includes a closable elongated opening foraccessing said infant without removing said blanket from said infant.16. A blanket as recited by claim 15, wherein said closable elongatedopening of said central section extends into and is integrated withinsaid base section of said blanket so that said blanket can besubstantially opened for access to said infant.
 17. A method of keepingan infant warm when traveling secured in a seat, comprising steps of: a.placing an infant in a seat, such as a car seat or stroller, andsecuring said child within said seat by way of safety straps; b.covering said infant with a travel blanket, said travel blanketcomprising: i. a central section, lateral sections, a base section, anda collar member arranged to form an open back construction so that saidblanket is appointed to be placed upon said infant secured within saidseat by way of safety straps; ii. left and right sleeve membersconstructed within said central section of said blanket adjacent to eachof said lateral sections; iii. said base section comprising a baseperiphery having a base stabilization means integrated therein appointedfor securing said base section of said blanket on an outer bottomportion of said seat; and iv. said lateral sections each comprising alateral perimeter appointed for aiding in securing said lateralsections; c. inserting each arm of said infant within each of saidsleeve members, respectively, and pressing said collar member againstsaid infant's neck and said central section against said infant's chestso that said lateral sections and said base section extend proximate toouter side portions and an outer bottom portion of said seat,respectively; and d. securing said lateral sections and said basesection to said outer side portions and said outer bottom portion ofsaid seat, respectively, while avoiding any need for adjusting saidsafety straps and jostling or otherwise disturbing said infant.